texas open carry

[fishfree]

Is there any organized effort/organization active to get a vote & passage in the next legislative session ?

thanks

[Keith B]

None that I am aware of. In past sessions the Open Carry extremists have not done the movement any favors. Their attempted strong arm tactics have alienated so many legislators that trying to find one to take the charge and introduce a bill may be tough.

[74novaman]

There's been some name calling, etc from SOME open carry supporters regarding members of this forum who feel legislative efforts should be directed elsewhere (like campus carry) at this time.

Might want to check the Texas section of opencarry.org regarding any OC legislation.

[Keith B]

Opencarry.org is way out of date on everything for Texas as far as I can tell. Their latest press release is almost 3 years old.

[74novaman]

I hadn't checked OC.org since last years legislative session. In that case, sorry OP. No clue.

[gdanaher]

My two cents. With the multiple lawsuits currently pending against the state, filed by school districts, charter schools, and individual parents, to clean up and balance out the per pupil expenditures, a la Robin Hood revisited, the legislature is likely going to be more than busy trying to rearrange the deck chairs on this Titanic, raise taxes without calling it a tax increase again, slough off more costs to local governments so the governor can say he didn't raise taxes, and will likely not have the time nor fortitude needed to tackle such a contentious topic as open carry.

[74novaman]

My two cents. With the multiple lawsuits currently pending against the state, filed by school districts, charter schools, and individual parents, to clean up and balance out the per pupil expenditures, a la Robin Hood revisited, the legislature is likely going to be more than busy trying to rearrange the deck chairs on this Titanic, raise taxes without calling it a tax increase again, slough off more costs to local governments so the governor can say he didn't raise taxes, and will likely not have the time nor fortitude needed to tackle such a contentious topic as open carry.

There are always going to be lots of things different interest groups think is "the most important" thing to get done next session.

Its both the blessing and the curse of the way Texas works that they're forced to cram 2 years worth of business into less than one.

Of course, that means less time for them to think of new ways to pass dumb laws, so I'm all for a redacted legislative session.

Frankly, I wouldn't even put Open Carry on the top of my "gun" related legislative wants for next season (that slot belongs to campus carry). But, if someone can get an author, a decent bill and some interest, go for it as far as I'm concerned.

[Jumping Frog]

I'd only be interested in open carry if it was part of unlicensed open carry, requiring plain sight with a holster defined as plain sight. Good guys walking around with holstered handguns are a different story than gangbangers walking around with a "fotay" shoved in their hoodie.

Keep the signage provisions for open carriers distinctly different from the standard 30.06 signs that apply to licensed concealed carry. I've reason the concerns that open carriers would poison the posted businesses for all the CHL's who currently enjoy pretty wide access. So make the signage requirements distinctly different. After all CHL's have done the background check, training etc. They should be granted better access.

The last session simply took the existing CHL statutes and allowed open carry for CHL's. I believe that was a tactical error.

[speedsix]

...I've been on their forum for awhile...got revolted by the amount of infighting and childishness there...if legislators read that forum for very long, it can't make a good impression or further their cause...perfect example of a house divided...

[74novaman]

I'd agree keeping 30.06 as little known and used as possible. If the generic no guns sign could prevent open carry, it would allow stores to prevent open carry but let concealed go unnoticed/uncared about by the hippies and idiots.

[magillapd]

I don't think I will ever be for open carry. Leave it concealed, and people won't think about it. I honestly can see many more 30.06 signs going up, espically in the city/suburbs. Campus carry, lower costs for license and shorten class training. Those should be priorties.

Om the federal level : nationwide carry with a resident license from your home state. Carry in post offices and on COE land.

The idea that I'm a law abiding citizen outside, but the moment I step through the door of a post office with a concealed handgun, I'd turn into a homicidal nut job? uh, how about some common sense. Want me to ship more things thru USPS instead of going to the UPS store where I can leaglly carry? Then do away with this stupid law.

[mamabearCali]

If you can get an inch take it(campus carry etc). If you can get a mile (open carry/constitutional carry) by all means take it. We have open carry here in VA and people get used to it. Does everyone open carry, nope, but it is nice to be able to do so if one wishes too. Living in an OC state with a CHL I conceal carry most of the time, but around the house and when CC is too onerus I am glad to be able to OC.

IF you guys ever are in a state that has OC or if you ever get it in TX for heavens sakes wear a retention holster! Lost a good man in my area this past year cause he was OCing without retention.

[Jusster]

Good guys walking around with holstered handguns are a different story than gangbangers walking around with a "fotay" shoved in their hoodie.

So how does one determine the “good guys” from the “bad guys”? Dress code? I’m not so thrilled about the idea of unlicensed open carry. I see it as a big problem waiting to happen.


Jusster

[rm9792]

How would that be different from now? BGs are carrying as we type, laws dont stop them. At least with OC we can see it. I wouldnt open carry but think it should be allowed. Lord, even California allows it.

[speedsix]

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